Choose Your Master: Why Grace Transforms Everything

The freedom we have in Christ isn’t a license to sin—it’s the power to live a new life. Romans 6 draws a clear line between our old identity in sin and our new identity in Christ. The question isn’t whether we’ll serve a master—the question is which master we will serve.

Paul anticipates a common argument: If we’re no longer under the law but under grace, can’t we keep sinning? His answer is unflinching—absolutely not. Grace isn’t permission to sin; it’s the reason we don’t want to anymore. When we truly grasp what Jesus did for us, sin becomes offensive, not attractive.

God’s grace is a gift, not a loophole. To intentionally choose sin because we assume grace will cover it cheapens the cross and ignores the sacrifice that purchased our freedom.

Paul uses a powerful image to help us understand this truth—we’re always a servant to something. We either serve sin, which leads to death, or we serve righteousness, which leads to life. There’s no neutral ground. No middle lane. No spiritual Switzerland.

When we were slaves to sin, righteousness had no claim on us. But now, having been set free, we are called to serve God with every part of our lives. Our thoughts, actions, time, and talents—all of it should be submitted to Christ.

Through the gospel, God didn’t just rinse us off—He made us new. You’re not a stained container from your past, trying to prove your worth. You are fully redeemed and deeply loved. Your identity is secure because it’s rooted in what Christ has done, not what you can do.

Yes, growth can feel slow. And yes, there are days when we feel like we’re serving two masters. But progress in Christ isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. The question isn’t “Am I flawless?” It’s “Am I following?”

Too many believers live on the defense—simply trying not to sin. But Scripture calls us to more. Romans 6:13 describes us as “weapons for righteousness.” Not passive. Not hiding. But active, engaged, and dangerous to the enemy.

Imagine the enemy trembling when you wake up—because you’re ready to push back darkness, love others boldly, and share the gospel freely. That’s the kind of life we’re called to.

Romans 6:23 reminds us: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin earns us death. But God gives us life—and not just someday in heaven, but now. Today. A life of meaning, mission, and transformation.

We don’t do good works to be saved—we do them because we are saved. Every moment is an opportunity to live like someone who has been rescued, redeemed, and repurposed.

This blog is based on a message preached by Student & Family Pastor Steven Scifers on Sunday, July 20, as part of the Romans: The Righteousness of God series. You can watch the full message here.